Christmas... the word in and of itself evokes awe in young and old alike. There is a certain reverence mixed with excitement when one readies themselves for the upcoming holiday. What comes to your mind when you think of Christmas? I will share with you what comes to mine:
1. The birth of Jesus Christ - how miraculously wonderful it is, how his birth and life touch our lives constantly, and some are not even aware that it does.
2. Gratitude - for Heavenly Father sending His Son... knowing what Christ would have to endure and overcome. For both of them doing all they do because they love each and every one of us.
3. Family - the joy of spending time together and the warmth we feel when we are together; talking, singing, laughing, playing, enjoying traditions, making memories, etc. Just the thought of it makes me feel all warm and cozy!
4. Children - their innocence and wonder at the magic of Christmas! They go to bed one night and the next morning POOF! presents magically appear - all because of this sweet, funny man in a red suit! So fun to watch their reactions!
5. Giving - to be able to give even a small gift to those around us and help them to know that we love and appreciate them is a great gift - not only to them, but to ourselves as well. Too many people think you have to spend a ton of money at Christmas and they miss the real meaning of giving gifts that matter to the person you gave them to.
6. Tradition - I love our traditions! Cinnamon rolls on Christmas morning, hot chocolate, opening one present Christmas Eve, taking goodies to neighbors and friends, ham and scalloped potatoes for Christmas dinner, taking turns opening gifts so we can actually see the person's reaction, reading from Luke on Christmas Eve, family prayer on Christmas morning, decorating the Christmas tree and the house, driving around at night to see the Christmas lights (of course we know where all the good places are!), watching Christmas movies ("It's a Wonderful Life", "White Christmas", "The Santa Clause" - get ready Rach!)baking, and attending numerous parties!... and so much more!
7. Christmas music! Nothing gets me more in the mood for Christmas than the music! From "Jolly Old St. Nicholas" to "I'll be home for Christmas" to "The Hallelujah Chorus"... I love it all! Listening to the music brings back memories of childhood, our children's childhoods, and so much more. There is just something wonderfully spectacular about Christmas music and how it floods our souls with nothing but happiness and warmth.
Christmas, we all experience it in various ways. Good memories, happy times, sometimes sad times, but it still continues to be a holiday that is loved and cherished by many. I am so grateful to celebrate Christmas this year with all of our children - to make new memories, forge stronger bonds, and celebrate the birth of a child in a manger who brought light to the world.
So, what do you think of when you think of Christmas? How does it make you feel? If you aren't in the Christmas spirit yet, then put on some music, decorate a tree, shop for someone, bake some goodies and give them away, but do something! Because you don't want to look back and feel like you missed something special - it is all up to you.
MAY YOU HAVE THE MERRIEST OF CHRISTMASES!
Yay for Christmas for sure. I'm excited to decorate the tree tonight! So pretty!!
ReplyDeleteWhen I think of Christmas I think of all of you. I think of the time when we drove around Idaho Falls and looked at the Christmas lights and sang our hearts out while Sam skulked in the back seat because he wasn't with Linzi. I think of Amy when she over pronounced the word "Camera". I think of the new tradition we have of getting a childrens book every year. I think of the smell of cinnamon rolls and rolling them out the night before, just watching in awe as you put them together. I think of when we were little kids and every year we would take turns putting the star on the tree. I think of countless sugar cookies that don't seem like they'll all ever get frosted but somehow they all do. I think of hunting and searching for the perfect stocking stuffers for you and dad, always a challenge but always one of my favorite challenges. I think of unwrapping ornaments and the stories that go along with each one. I think of the homemade ornaments and the bells that have been around since before me. I think of dad reading Luke II aloud in a dim living room, lit only by our Christmas tree and a spare lamp. I think of Christmas eve nights when Amy and I would camp out in your bedroom on the floor in double zipped sleeping bags and talk about the one gift we had received that night and talking about what santa would bring us the next morning. I think about the one Christmas when I found out about Santa Claus while sitting on your lap, imploring you to tell me. That's what I think about when I think of Christmas.
ReplyDeleterachel thinks a lot. but i love her and i think of the same things. :)
ReplyDelete